Ms. Swindlehurst states that she took the liberty to re-write the procedures for accepting applications and that she has made copies for each board member. Ms. Swindlehurst also suggests that they become part of the Feb. 12th meeting minutes. Ms. Swindlehurst requests that a copy be given to the Town Clerk and also to the secretary to be posted on the website so that the public can view them.

At this time, Ms. Swindlehust asks for permission to dispense of the reading of the Legal Notice that was published in the Berkshire Eagle on Jan. 28th and again on Feb. 4th. Ms. Schneider takes a moment to explain to Jacob Defoe, member of the public present, what exactly this hearing is all about. Ms. Schneider explains that the reason for the public hearing is to discuss the different applications that the ZBA has and to discuss some of the changes that are being suggested. Ms. Schneider explains to Jacob, who is currently working on a Scout Badge, and working his way to becoming an Eagle Scout, that the public hearing gives everyone a chance to come and ask their questions, voice their concerns, and be part of the new changes. Ms. Swindlehurst goes on further to
explain the rules and regulations hearing.

Public Participation- none

Ms. Swindlehurst explains to the board members present that she is good with all three of the applications presented (Variance, Site Plan Review, Dimensional Special Permit) however, she notes that mention of the tax verification form was not included in the Variance Application and asks that it please be added to the application, as previously discussed. Ms. Swindlehurst states that the other topic that she would like to discuss is the suggested fee schedule for site-plan review.Ms. Swindlehurst explains to the board members that she had attended a workshop that Mark Bobrowski did, reminding the members of Mark’s presence at the last public hearing held to make the changes to the Zoning By-Laws. Ms. Swindlehurst explains to the board that Atty. Mark Bobrowski said that the Zoning Board of Appeals does have the
right to set their fee schedule when it comes to hiring outside consultants. Ms. Swindlehurst passes out her proposed fee schedule for the board’s review. Ms. Schneider states that the suggested fees are a good place to start and if in the future they need to be changed, they will then be addressed. Ms. Swindlehurst reminds Ms. Schneider that changing the fees in the future, would require another public hearing . Ms. Schneider agrees. Ms. Schneider explains that if there are no more questions, we are going to add the one line on the variance application referencing the tax release form, and also add the fee schedule and authority for Site Plan Review and for Dimensional Special Permits. At this time, Ms. Schneider closes the discussion portion of the public hearing.

Mr. Joshua Lombard makes a motion to accept the changes discussed and to formally accept the draft with all changes discussed. Mark seconds motion. Unanimous approval.

Public hearing closes at 7:44 pm.

Public Participation-Jacob asks about the upcoming Windpower meeting being held at the Chester Town Hall.

Ms. Swindlehurst invites Jacob to an upcoming meeting, Thursday morning, where the topic of windpower will be discussed. Ms. Swindlehurst gives the board a briefing on the topic and what it entails.